For those who want to join this thriving field and serve their communities as mental health counselors, Nova Southeastern University's Orlando campus is a great place to start.

The reason for the mental health care industry's growth?

"I think we're seeing a greater awareness — and also, hopefully, a destigmatization — of the importance of mental health care," said Shannon Karl, Ph.D., LMHC, and associate professor in the Department of Counseling in NSU's College of Psychology.

Karl said the rise in treatment also is being fueled by increased attention to early intervention and prevention. As a result, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a nearly 20 percent expansion in mental health counselor employment by 2024. And the Orlando area can expect significant gains: According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Orange County should see a 24 percent rise in mental health counseling positions during the next eight years.

According to Karl, NSU is working to make sure those jobs are filled with well-trained mental health counselors, a factor that's critical to treatment success, both in the initial stages and during maintenance.

Jennifer Salzberg, M.S., who earned her master's degree in mental health counseling from NSU in 2007, was drawn to the university's reputation and convenient Orlando location when she decided to continue her mental health care training.

Another major benefit for Salzberg and her classmates: NSU's intensive weekend format.

"I was able to still work full-time and continue my studies," Salzberg said.

Salzberg, who lives in Orlando, also credits the weekend format's concentrated classes and extended meeting periods with increased opportunity for learning.

"We could have lengthy discussions about a concept or a theory that didn't have to end because our class time was over," she said.

In addition, the lasting bond Salzberg formed with her classmates has created the opportunity for professional networking.

The program includes a three-semester internship, which not only gives students hands-on training, but allows them to make important contacts in Orlando's mental health care industry.

Salzberg said she made valuable connections with professionals working at Orlando mental health agencies during her internship that have served her well in her career.

Many NSU students also find employment through their internship.

"We are fortunate that we have a lot of students that have the opportunity to stay on in paid positions at their internship sites," Karl said.

Students choose from a diverse set of internship opportunities at NSU, which reflects the wide array of mental health counseling career options open to them in the Orlando area.

NSU graduates can find employment in mental health settings, including hospitals, schools, domestic violence shelters, crisis centers and private practices, but the opportunities for helping others are almost limitless in this growing field.

"If you have a passion for working with any specific type of individual, you can develop your niche within the field of mental health counseling," Karl said.

Salzberg earned a bachelor's degree in psychology before enrolling in NSU's mental health counseling program, though Karl noted that the program admits students from a variety of work backgrounds, including many who have worked in mental health fields before and others who have chosen to change careers. And how would a prospective student know if a career in mental health is a good fit?

More important than previous experience, Karl said prospective students should care about helping others. "All the knowledge — those things are learnable. And we'll teach you at NSU," Karl said.